I provide commentary on political economy, police and prosecutorial abuse, and whatever else might come to mind.
Let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24 (ESV)

Monday, May 10, 2010

The Crooked Closing

Today's closing arguments were an extension of the utter dishonesty that we have seen from "Judge" Brian House and the Dishonest Duo, Len Gregor and Chris Arnt. If one thought that these people would obey the law at the closing, guess again.

Let us count the ways in which House made sure that the prosecution could get in one more lie, one more misstatement, and one more episode of outright bullying:

As they did during defense testimony and defense cross-examination of prosecution witnesses, the prosecutors objected often and loudly. Of course, House sustained all of their objections. (They did it not because they had actual legal arguments, but rather to disrupt the flow of Dr. Lorandos' talk, which violates Rule 3.5 of the Georgia Rules for Conduct of prosecutors.)

According to the people in the press room, House cut three minutes off Dr. Lorandos' talk.

During the last hour of the prosecution's closing statements, Arnt declared that the expert witnesses for the defense, including Drs. Fajman, Aldridge, Bernet, and Hazzard all lied for money. He did not offer any proof, but simply spoke ex cathedra. That Dr. Aldridge mainly testifies for the prosecution, Arnt has then declared that many of the people convicted in part by her expert testimony must have been wrongfully convicted.

Arnt deliberately misrepresented Dr. Fajman's testimony in his closing. When Dr. Lorandos objected, House overruled him, declaring, "He's on closing." House then sanctioned the defense and gave the prosecution more time.

Arnt declared that the prosecution had "caught Ms. Craft telling a lie" last Friday without specifying which "lie" it was she supposedly told. Dr. Lorandos objected, and House declared, "He's on closing."

House had refused to permit the defense the opportunity to enter into evidence a recording of a message that Tonya's daughter allegedly had put on Tonya's cell phone (after she had been taken away) in which she told her mother that she "loved" her. (The prosecution had objected, and House always gave Arnt and Gregor whatever they wanted.) On the stand, Ms. Craft told about it. In his statement today, Arnt told the jury that Ms. Craft "lied" about it and made up the tale. While he gave no reasons, my guess is that he would have said there was no recording played.

At the end of his statements, Arnt told the jury to "send a message to the 'dream team'," which was an attack on the opposing counsel. Again, Georgia Bar rules of conduct prohibit this kind of attack, not that Arnt, House, or Gregor care about the rules, anyway, since throughout this trial, they made up the rules as they went along.

So, there you have it. The case is in the hands of a jury which clearly has not heard near the amount of exculpatory evidence that it should have heard, and a jury that was permitted to hear testimony that clearly was perjured.

Conservative Christians tend to be against the "rights of the accused," as our "law-and-order" instincts tell us that prosecutors always are honest, God-fearing people, and anyone accused of a crime, especially sexual abuse of a child, does not deserve a defense. Over the years, both liberals and conservatives have worked together to destroy the rights of the accused and you can see the handiwork in this trial.

This was a disgrace, and one only can hope for a "not guilty" verdict. If the jury convicts, trust me when I say that Catoosa County and the LMJD never will live down the verdict, as the appeals courts pour over the records of this travesty, and I can guarantee a guilty verdict would be overturned. I only can say I am thankful not to be living in the LMJD any more.

128 comments:

Anonymous
said...

If the jury convicts her, they better call in the Army! This community is ready to blow!! I have never witnessed such an evil display in my life! I hope these people understand what they have done and are ready for the consequences!! As I tell my kids, your behavior has a consequence!! I hope I can sit and witness House, Arnt and Gregor receive their consequence:))

I have to say that I don't see how she will be found guilty. But to put myself in their shoes, if she was convicted, I cannot describe how outraged I would be when I found out evidence had been kept from me. Not only is the DA and Outhouse serving a HORRIBLE injustice to Tonya Craft, they are potentially affecting the lives of the jurors. Can you imagine if one of them voted guilty and then saw all that hidden? Of course, I'm assuming that none of them have looked/listened to the media. The guilt of sending an innocent woman to prison & keeping her away from her children would be almost too big of a burden for me to bear. But I guess narcissists only care about themselves...and I'm NOT talking about Tonya Craft. HAG only cares about a conviction. Not about ALL the people's lives that they are hurting.

This is perhaps the worst tragedy I have witnessed in all my years. Throughout all of this, I have never thought for one minute that Tonya would be found guilty, but after following the closing arguments, I am scared to death. If this is the justice system that is available to the citizens of North Georgia, then none of us have a chance. I can only pray that the jury will come through and will use common sense and reason to find an acquital for Tonya. I am positive if any of the jurors know these parents, then they will be able to see through their deception and lies. I pray that these jurors can acquit Tonya.

Am I the only one who noticed, during the morning news shows and online, that channel 9 was the only station to offer video of the closing arguments? And I have to say, John Pless, really. Please don't talk to us like we're dumb. We're not. If anything, we're more educated after this farce of a trial. You're longwinded and oversimplified explanation is probably in keeping with the current thinking of those responsible for this trial but folks around here do understand what closing arguments and trial instructions are. So, is there a reason the tweets from channel 3 didn't come in on a regular basis and no other station offered video from this AM? I cut off John Pless mid statement before they showed the courtroom stuff. But I can say this much from the catwalkchatt and channel 3 stuff. It seems like Gregor and Arnt based their arguments more on what was on websites and blogs than on actual evidence. And Judge House, Dr. Lorandos had the right to object when Mr. Arnt got the information wrong. Or are you afraid of the jurors hearing the truth.

BTW - to the HAG team. There was no presumption of innocence on the part of the prosecutors and judge in this case. That was blatantly evident from the first day of the trial. Or was Mr. Arnt speaking of the presumption of innocence for the prosecution witnesses? Also, so the family of accuser 2 came home from vacation and 'heard' about the abuse. What do their cell phone records show? Were there calls back and forth? Why don't you want us to know about that?

Let's just hope and pray the jury will take their time and remember the difference between the state's so called "expert" witnesses and the expert witnesses of the defense. Let's hope they can see through all the lies to the truth, that Tonya is innocent.

Ok fellow supporters lets put our money where our mouth is.Yes these 2 small towns are about to blow but there is power in numbers.Somebody come up with a strategy and lets do more than blog! Im mad as hell! Lets go out and protest somebody set up a time and lets get serious with this!!!......Pissed of and frustrated in Chickamauga.

Mr. Anderson, please forgive me for asking so many questions. What I would like to know is if the expert witnesses for the defense can sue Arnt and Gregor for slander? It appears to me that both men have said or indicated some ugly information about the experts. Again, thank you. Bobb

Would anybody be willing to do a silent and peaceful demonstration outside of chickamauga elementary school to run sandra lamb and her child out of chickamauga? My kids have to go there we are in the city. We have to show these people that they dont run the show!

Let us just say that from what I have heard, the witnesses are not too happy. Indeed, because she often testifies for prosecutors in Georgia, this kind of slam would not make Nancy Aldridge a happy camper.

The ramifications of what these people called the defense experts will be felt for a long time.

I sure hope that after the trial is over and the gag order lifted that the jurors will be directed to this blog to read of this sham of a trial and hear of the things they were not aloud to hear in court. These citizens are just doing their civic duty and these 3 are making a mockery of it all. Hopefully the right verdict is still made.

Wonder if they are behind closed doors talkng about the gag order. Callie Starnes (Channel 3, WRCB reporter) has stated on twitter that she has interviewed a witness for tonight's news. Or perhaps discussing a mistrial? or maybe the prosecutors just want to take the jury to lunch...

Anon 2:22"the recording was allowed in last friday. but not surprised arnt still lied about it."

I do not recall the actual recording being played, only Tonya's testimony to what her daughter said. Hard to call it a lie if the actual recording is in evidence for the jury to hear any time they want now.

*************

Anon 3:11

Prosecutors have an immunity that is difficult to strike, which is good in some ways. TIn other words, they are safe from lawsuits when at work.

I am so sick to my stomach following Aren't and "He's on Closing". Everytime I think they are the poorest excuse of a human being...they prove it yet again! Thrilled that the gag order is lifted...can only imagine what's next because no matter what happens this isn't over!

I'm with you, I'm absolutely ready to do more than blog too. I've written letters and sent emails, but we need to get organized and working together, I'm just not sure how to best go about doing that though. Maybe someone with the resources can set up a web page or discussion forum where we can start to pull things together on where we go from here locally?

Talking about the defense expert witnesses, if it were me, "angry" would not be a strong enough word to describe my emotional state after hearing Arnt and Gregor's slanderous accusations. It would certainly be enough to propel me to whatever legal or social action I could take against them.

Mr. Anderson, please forgive me for asking so many questions. What I would like to know is if the expert witnesses for the defense can sue Arnt and Gregor for slander? It appears to me that both men have said or indicated some ugly information about the experts. Again, thank you. Bobb

Not to mention the options Tonya Craft has once she is acquitted.

Disbarment and bankruptcy are certain to be in the future for the lying cowards of Catoosa County...

Kerwyn seems like our best bet in helping us get organized. Because the hags and people involved in lying on tonya think it will be swept under the rug....and personally id like to strangle arnt with a pair of yellow thongs.

I can say that the police raid in Dr. Aldridge's office in Atlanta was illegal search and seizure, and she has HUGE grounds for a lawsuit for violation of her constitutional rights. I believe it amounts to false arrest as well, if she was restrained from leaving or forced to leave her office in police custody.

That also may be what the hoo ha in Chambers is right now, as most likely the defense is arguing a detailed motion for mistrial, which House surely will deny. The costs to Catoosa County for ALL the actions of the prosecution in this matter are going to run at least 3-4 million, not counting punitive damages.

@kbp, Don't be so certain that the prosecution has immunity from prosecution. If misconduct can be shown, especially in light of the police raid of Dr. Aldridge's offices in Atlanta, that's prosecutorial misconduct, which changes the immunity situation considerably. I've done a considerable amount of research already on that issue. Prosecutors do not have ABSOLUTE immunity, it becomes qualified immunity if their behavior falls out of certain parameters.

I don't think the defense wants a mistrial. They could've gotten one already if they did want one. It seems to me, they were very careful to do everything necessary to AVOID a mistrial. At this point, the prosecution would probably prefer a mistrial.

Okay, does Chris Arnt actually listen to what he says or his witnesses? I remember clearly from the first week of the trial, accuser 1's mom saying yes, the role in one movie was about an abused child but her child had no idea about that. Now Arnt tells jury none of child actress' roles about abused child? I guess he's counting on jury not remembering what happened so long ago. However, that's an outright lie. And he got something else wrong. Tonya and her defense team weren't actors and an actress. It's the prosecution team but more like a amateur version of the Three Stooges.

Came home from work changed babys diaper put diaper cream on his bottom had a glass of wine to settle my nerves and did a striptease for my husband.....woke up this morning an realized im a potential child molester.....Really hags really are you kidding me!

If the verdict comes back not guilty, I hope and pray that everyone who has been outraged by this trial will not just go quietly back to their lives. Remember, this could happen to anyone. This judicial system needs a complete overhaul from the top down.

I have faith, maybe misguided, that the jury will see through this hoopla. The prosecution didnt do their job. It is their reponsibility to prove guilt, even here, and they have not done so. Is she perfect, no, but but let those among us without sin cast the first stone. She didnt molest these children and testimony proves it didnt happen.

Lookout:"Don't be so certain that the prosecution has immunity from prosecution. If misconduct can be shown, especially in light of the police raid of Dr. Aldridge's offices in Atlanta, that's prosecutorial misconduct, which changes the immunity situation considerably. I've done a considerable amount of research already on that issue. Prosecutors do not have ABSOLUTE immunity, it becomes qualified immunity if their behavior falls out of certain parameters."

"Misconduct" is not a crime.

Work done in their scope of duties is absolutely covered under the immunity.

Issuing a search warrant falls within their scope of duties.

If they fall outside of that scope ever, then they still have qualified immunity.

If they do not commit a crime, the 'qualified' still covers their azzez.

All the above based on the assumption Georgia is like most all other states.

The most recent SCOTUS case on this matter had prosecutors even seeking immunity for committing crimes outside their scope of duties.

A mistrial due to a hung jury is what is not good for the defense. A mistrial due to prosecutorial misconduct is acquittal for Tonya, as she cannot be retried due to the double jeopardy protections of the U.S. Constitution.

As to the purpose of the police raid, it was due to a subpoena issued by the prosecution, probably claiming that Dr. Aldridge was in possession of evidence that was about to be destroyed. That's a pretext, because the prosecution would have no proof of such a thing unless they were performing illegal surveillance of Tonya Craft or her attorneys. Such a subpoena would not survive appellate scrutiny for any reason whatsoever.

KC we will not be silenced or stopped. This goes far beyond the truth for Tonya now its about fighting for our rights to a fair trial.We will help in the fight to bring change....cause the judge in the towns got bloodstains on his hands.

Anyone that wants to contact can do so through my blog, outofcontrolcharacters.blogspot.com I, too, am part of LMJC and want to see change. This trial exposed what we all knew for the world to see and if we don't band together to clean it up all we'll do is continue the misconception we're a bunch of uneducated rednecks. Well, my neck sure is red after working outside but I'm not uneducated.

Judicial Pimp House refused to recuse himself because he and the Dynamic Duo were hell bound to get a conviction by hook or crook. He had to preside in order to grease the skids of this travesty of a trial. Ditto why the judicial pimp denied a motion to move the trial.

"It didn't happen, it couldn't happen the way they say it did, it doesn't makes sense." pretty much sums up this entire farce.

I found it interesting that during closing, the defense argued the evidence and Evil Ant argued personalities, which is just the opposite in the criminal trials I have previouisly watched. What a trio these 3 make! If the citizens of the LMJC don't turn House and Franklin out of office in the next election, then they get exactly the kind of "justice" they deserve.

As always, in the course of the proceedings, a mistrial is at the discretion of the presiding judge. You can be certain the Motion for Mistrial, if the defense has been on the ball, should run at least 30-40 pages. House will have to write a statutory answer to each line item on the motion, citing statute, chapter and verse. In the meantime, the jury is going to get mad and hot under the collar if they are prevented from access to the evidence and beginning deliberations. I believe House can even refuse them a transcript of testimony, as he has already refused them the right to take notes. This case will make Federal Court before it's over, I absolutely guarantee it. It's going be be a national landmark in legal history.

There are a few national organizations which deal with the corruption found within the child protective services throughout our country.

They can be helpful in giving advice or assisting any interested parties that want to improve your local system.

You can pick individuals that stirred trouble here, but what allowed it to escalate so far was the fact ALL involved in the investigation (det's, interviewers...) were in search of proof of guilt, not in determining IF there had been a crime.

I do not even believe the majority do it intentionally, it is often just a pattern that develops in many cases. If accused individuals actually defend themselves, it brings about a challenge for both sides and few want to fail at doing what they believe their jobs requires them to do - prove the accused are guilty.

It looks like KC Sprayberry has stepped up to help organize things at her blog. Click there and contact her. I can't find her email there, so maybe she can put a short post up to get comments from any that would help.

If KC wants anything from me, she can email Bill and he'll forward it.

Does a petition help in a situation like this? If not to at least impeach House. Is that an option? If so, we could start an online petition. I'm desperate to do something, anything! Maybe it's too early? I guess it depends on the jury's decision, but guilty or not, something has to be done!

KBP, I'd be happy to, once I do the research. Tracking keycites is time consuming. I have other irons in the fire, and it takes lot's of midnight oil to track this stuff down. Just following this case has kept me busy, the legal BS is so compelling.

I was sitting in the courtroom the day the video was played of her daughters vm. YES, it was very clear what she said. "Hey mommy. I love you. Bye. I won't be seeing you for a very long time. Bye." She said I love you and bye but then quickly said I won't be seeing you for a very long time but it was still easy to understand.

Harmony, not to be rude, but how do we know the money is going to go where you say it will? Truth for Tonya will supply an address that's trustworthy, I tried to encourage them to set up a Paypal account, I think they were too busy to reply beyond sending me a mailing address.

In closing arguments, when is the absolute best srgument, the one that will really stick with the jurors presented? In the beginning where they will likely forget it before the end of closing because of the rest of the arguments they are listening to? Of course not! The best arguments are saved for the last 3-5 minutes so that they are fresh in the minds of the jurors as they go to deliberations. So, does anyone wonder why Outhouse shut down the defense 3 minutes early?

Lookout is right on impeachment. We can go for a recall election though. It is a two-part process, and the bar isn't that high on the first part, but the second part to actually force an election to be held to remove him from office is a big undertaking. But, in between step one and step two, there is basically an investigation and hearing to see if there are grounds to allow it to move to step two (circulating the petition for a recall election). I think that would be a worthy goal in and off itself to shine light on what is going on.

KC, I want to get you the detailed information I have researched on this, but can't find a way to contact you through your blog, can you help with that?

I tried to encourage Truth for Tonya to set up Paypal too and they said they were working on it and hoped to have it up soon, but that has been over a week ago. I ended up mailing a check, but Paypal would be so much better for them.

KBP, theory on law is built on caselaw, so yes, that's what the articles cover, including caselaw cites. I haven't had time to go much further, I gleaned that stuff the night before yesterday. I had to sift through 300 references, and will have to do at least another 300 to 1000. I screwed up and lost a good list, but I can recover it at another time.

I tried to contact Sandy Pearson who started the Truth For Tonya Facebook page but there was no response. I am not like HAG, I am an honest person and wouldnt keep the money for personal use and if needed I would print out all contributions to the paypal account to prove it. Right now there are no contributions. I am going to make sure the money gets to who it is for.

Sorry. I forget sometimes that not all my information is available to see anymore. Had a nasty spammer a while back. Use kathispray@yahoo.com and I'll direct you to my main email account. That way, I won't have to sift through trolls sending me spam.

As I said, I do great at research since I need it to verify facts and statistics in my writing (fiction writing, I might add, but still necessary to sell my product). And I'll be glad to start the process but if someone with more experience wants to co-chair I won't object.

Do we know Tonya's frame of mind as the jury deliberates? I know she is concerned about the verdict but what is she doing now? Is she at the courthouse? Any word on the feelings of the defense team? They are experienced at reading a jury, aren't they? Just curious. Continue to pray for Tonya and a not guilty verdict

JP is right, Nifong is on the hook for 180 million is potential damages so far.

www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,331568,00.html

"The lawsuit says Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong and his investigators hid and fabricated evidence, adding the city of Durham should be held accountable for Nifong's actions."

And...

"But Cooper said the lawsuit doesn't name Nifong, who was disbarred and spent a night in jail for his handling of the case, because of his pending declaration of bankruptcy. Nifong is claiming more than $180 million in liabilities, almost all tied to the prospect of losing two other lawsuits stemming from the rape case."

And...

The three players who Nifong charged — and who were later declared innocent — have also sued the former prosecutor, the City of Durham and the police detectives who handled the case. They reached an undisclosed financial settlement with the university in June.

Three other players filed a suit last year, accusing the school, Nifong and numerous others of a conspiracy that inflicted emotional distress.

None of the lawsuits were filed against the woman who said she was raped. In the lawsuit filed Thursday, the accuser was called a "deeply mentally disturbed, drug-dependent young woman."

Nifong won indictments against Dave Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann after the woman accused them of raping her at a team party in March 2006. The case then unraveled amid the woman's changing story and lack of evidence.

State prosecutors who took over the case from Nifong dropped all charges in April 2007, and Attorney General Roy Cooper said Evans, Finnerty and Seligmann were innocent victims of Nifong's "tragic rush to accuse." Nifong was later disbarred and spent a night in jail after being found in contempt of court for lying to a judge.

Nifong filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection earlier this year, citing liabilities of $30 million for each of the cleared players as potential damages in their lawsuit. Another $90 million in liabilities was cited as possible damages in the second lawsuit.

Bankruptcy administrator Michael D. West recommended last week that Nifong not get that protection because he makes too much money.

The "House of Cards" fall on Arnt, Gregor, and Buzz "Turtle" Franklin for sure. Catoosa County, House, and the LMJD will end up in the net. The show is far from over.

I feel like the closing of the prosectution was a flagrant display of intimidation towards the jury that we have also seen directed at the media and especially Melydia Clewell, who was the first reporter to give Tonya a voice. Most of the residents of this judicial district have heard horror stories in the past about a corrupt system that will overrun an average citizen. This jury has just watched 4 weeks of improper conduct from the prosecution and the House and may not realize that THIS time they may not be able to get away with it. The closing statement even solidifies the belief that attorneys outside of the geographic area, along with expert witnesses who are described by the ADA's as "whores". It is abundantly clear that the the good ole boy system is indeed alive and well in North Georgia and the HAG team doesn't care who knows it.

The ADA smugly refers to the defense as the "dream team" and emphasizes the meeting in NYC. These jury members know that there are others, like Tonya Craft, that have bucked the system and, believe me, they know that there have been ramifications in the past for doing so. I wouldn't be surprised that a guilty verdict is reached by these jurors simply out of fear for reprisals by the very people in law enforcement and this judicial system that railroaded Craft. Such a sad commentary on our local judicial system... such a sad day, indeed.

How much notice is given when the jury comes back with a verdict? Will the citizens of Catoosa Co have time to cover the courthouse lawn in yellow? How great would it be to not only have the courtroom full but the lawn full with our cheerleading yellow?

To force a recall petition of an elected official, from what I understand, per the laws governing recall in Georgia, supporters are required to collect signatures from a minimum of 100 registered voters. The recall petition must state specific and legally valid grounds for a recall, and then a hearing is held before a Superior court judge, where the party/ies facing recall can challenge the petition and get a dismissal. In this District, it would probably also take a motion to recuse the other judges of the LMJD from ruling on the recall. If they are named in the recall petition, they cannot rule as a matter of Constitutional mandate. The District Administrator in Rome would either appoint an uninterested Judge from outside the LMJC, or hear the petition himself. If the petition survives the initial hearing before a judge, it then takes a second petition signed by 30 percent of registered voters in the county to force a special recall election. So it is doable, but the technicalities need to be handled properly. With Judge Kristina Graham facing a JQC reprimand tomorrow in Walker County, and some other issues yet not exposed regarding Wood and Van Pelt, it might be better to force a vote on all 4 judges, Buzz Franklin, as well as Arndt and Gregor... That would send a very strong message that the voters and citizens of this Circuit want CHANGE. For reasons why all 4 Judges might be subject to recall, we have to look at how many cases involving CAC were heard before the other Judges, and the potential liability if a class action suit emerges regarding any other child molestation convictions in the LMJD.

I can not believe the jury did not reach an innocent verdict tody!! They were even dismissed before 5pm!! Why did they not stay until a verdict was reached and what could possibly take this long to come to a conclusion of INNOCENT!!!!!

I would think that the longer the jury takes, the better the odds for Tonya getting an acquittal or hung jury. I was afraid that they would meet for 20 minutes and come back with a guilty verdict, which is common for molestation cases.

This is the South we're talking about here, right? We hide behind anonymous posts. We gossip at the beauty shop and sunday school. We keep our beer in the garage fridge in case the pastor comes over. We talk about change but never find time to make it happen. I am 100% certain the "have nots" of LMJD will continue to take whatever justice the "haves" want to dole out. You will forget this injustice when the next water bill you can't pay comes due.

I was just watching the Channel 3 News and of course, OF COURSE, the one and only, Miriam Boyd was on there to give her two cents worth. She sure has bent over backwards to get on every tv station possible. This woman is driving me crazy.

Lookout, I like your plan. Put all of them on there. I hadn't thought of that since that by default moves it out of their little circle and sends a stronger message.

Class action suits, now we are talking money, and that is certainly something every member of the Georgia ruling class understands and holds near and dear to their hearts.

Anon @ 5:54

I was a little surprised by that too. I've been involved with one trial, and it went to the jury at midday also. They came back with a verdict a little after 6 pm, and I don't think the judge was in any big hurry to let them go either if they still hadn't reached a verdict. I didn't expect him to keep them there until some crazy hour, but surprised he cut it off so quick, especially since still first day of deliberations.

Anon 4:53:"Hey mommy. I love you. Bye. I won't be seeing you for a very long time. Bye."Thanks!

My memory needing refreshed there! I was only thinking of them not playing it when her daughter was on the stand.

I recall posting elsewhere, maybe here also, that I questioned how anyone could tell here it would be a "long time" at that point in the process. I do not recall any mention by any of the accusers of Tonya committing a crime when Deal and ?Burgess? of the child services came to pick the children up.

**************

JP,

That Nifong case is where Bill and I met (you'll find comments from me to him in his first post on that case and this one).

The civil case is still pending. Nifong did go outside of his scope of duties in that case, he led the investigation, so the qualified immunity is what they want to apply in the lawsuit (or was).

Nothing is a done deal there as far as Nifong is concerned. I've always sensed it is more just to force Nifong to pay for defense, give back a pinch of the misery he created and leave him broke that way if possible.

The families do have reason to make his life worse for what he did to theirs.

Just caught the latest update on Channel 3 Eyewitness News in Chattanooga... and I am sickened beyond belief.

(1) Len GregorGregor STOLE the "How do you know Joal Henke is lying? Because his lips are moving!" from THIS BLOG!! You stole that and threw is in the jurors minds about the innocent victim whose life you are attempting to destroy. I believe you just made yourself a reservation in the greatest hot spot for a man like you... HELL. And you deserve it.

(2) Miriam Boyd.Will someone PLEASE keep that mentally unstable woman away from the camera?? What is she thinking? She HAS to know that everyone and their brother KNOWS about her pathetic life with her adulterous doctor/husband. The woman is beyond CRAZY! She has been the ringleader in the harrassment of Tonya's friends and supporters for months now.

All that has happened over the past month has made me WISH like never before that we lived in the Old West. You know, where people like the Dewayne and Sheri Wilson, Sandra Lamb, Kelli McDonald, Joal Henke, Chris Arnt, Len Gregor, and yes, even the HONORABLE Brian House would have been removed from the streets and punished severely. IN A SINGLE DAY. Back in the day when people didn't put up with this nonsense. this bull---- feeding team of prosecutors, the contemptuous Judge, and the deranged parental figures of the twisted children.

My mother would want me to say, "May God have mercy on your souls" but I don't want God to have mercy on your souls. None of you deserve mercy. I hope every one of you burn in hell for all of eternity.

Yep, in this Country judges and prosecutors are clearly above the law. I think I read were Nifong was the first sitting DA in NC history to be disbarred. Also see impeached Florida judge "There ain't no rules here" Alycee Hastings who was kicked off the bench for taking bribes from high level drug dealers. He now plies his corrupt trade as a Congressman.

Sad.

About the only thing a mundane can do legally is to go after their wallet and reputation...

The distinction between absolute immunity and qualified immunity is a very important one. Nifong is definitely going to be assessed damages. Now he is insured in his official capacity, but not his personal capacity, unless he has a PLUP for 100 million we don't know about. The insurance lawyers would have already got a Summary Judgment on a 12 B 6 if they could have, but since that hasn't happened it will go to trial, or a HUGE settlement will be negotiated. He tried for bankruptcy, but you can't get relieved from a potential liability judgment under Chapter 7. Bankrupcy Law doesn't allow that.

Closing arguments are, prosecution, 90 mins, defense 90 mins, prosecution gets last closing and divide their 90 minutes between the 1st and final argument. However, they went 10 minutes over and defense got shorted 3 minutes, so that's another legal mistrial issue.

It's interesting that this goes to the jury on the same day that Melissa Huckaby pleaded guilty to murdering Sandra Cantu. It is alleged that Huckaby raped the girl before murdering her, but that charge was dropped in order to get a guilty plea on the murder--the rape charge would have made her elligible for the death penalty.

Like I said in a previous post, women do commit crimes just as horrible in nature as do men. However, just as it is preposterous to assume that because some men abuse children that we cannot trust men, that we shoudl distrust all women. We all need to trust everyone while at the same time not turning a blind eye to their actions. At my church a man showed up one day, during Vacation Bible School, and started attending. He had a big dog that all the kids oogled. I thought something not quite right abot him, his stated background, and the way he acted. Was he a child molester? Probably not. He stopped coming. I don't know why. I trusted him enough to be around kids. However, I was not stupid enough to let him be alone with them. Trust is earned. He never earned full trust. And trust can be broken. But, we need to be able to trust each other to not lie to us, to cheat, to steal. The cadet honor code at this nation's military academies and in the Civil Air Patrol is to not lie, steal or cheat, and to not tolorate such behavior. We have tolerated lieing from our nation's top leaders, stealing from all levels of government, and cheating from all categories of public figures. Thus, we have grown too mistrusting when trust is needed and too apathetic about it when we should be more critical. The prosecution brought up Tiger Woods. He did not create this great image of a perfect family. Rather, he allowed others to think what they wanted, and kept quiet about his personal life. Someone who did create a facade of a personal life was James Baker, a man who attacked and accused others of being "evil" and "sinful." There is an old saying, "Those who accuse others are often the ones who commit the worst offenses." I wonder if A&G have any skeletons in their closet. Remember, when you point the finger of accusation at someone, three other fingers on that hand are pointing back at you.

Someone earlier mentioned asking Nathan Deal when he comes to Ringgold this weekend what his position on the conduct of this trial would be if he was elected governor of GA. I responded earlier, " Don't hold your breath thinking he'll do anything useful". Here's why:

Mr Deal resigned from Congress because he was facing an ethics investigation. In fact, if he waited a few minutes longer to resign, he would have been subject to impeachment from the office he held. I'd say Georgia needs Nathan Deal like they need a hole in their wallet.

How pathetic your lives must be that you spew such hate-filled venom about anyone and everyone that you think is on the side of the prosecution. It is sickening to read the vindictive and noxious comments directed at non-tonya supporters. It appears that most comments are just an opportunity to indulge in self-righteous and misguided indignation.

Most of the prosecution and their supporters are despised because of their own self-righteousness that they have proudly displayed for years at CES, GLMS and GLHS events. The Boyd woman is particularly "snooty." I assume you know that, though.

@7:40How pathetic your lives must be that you spew such hate-filled venom about anyone and everyone that you think is on the side of the defense. It is sickening to read the vindictive and noxious comments directed at Tonya supporters. It appears that most comments are just an opportunity to indulge in self-righteous and misguided indignation. Back at ya sunshine!I would have to guess that you are the type of person that can't handle the truth and YOU just want to spew your hatred.What did you miss about the expert witness testimony by the defense witnesses? Lacking in comprehension? Bobb

Miriam, you reap what you sow. I have witnessed your disdain for "common folk." "Common folk" who go to work everyday, and can't be seen every morning walking around the Chickamauga schools in matching yoga suits. We've got it.....you're healthy and we're inferior to your kind.

According to the Tennessee website:-Tennessee Laws protect:1) Persons who report abuse or neglect 2) TCA 37-1-410 provides immunity from civil and criminal liabilityAll information gathered during the investigation. The general public may make reports without giving their names.

Without spelling it out, If anyone found some of the testimony troubling - could be an avenue.

As I said in my email to the Today Show after this morning's sad reporting: The only reason this case is such big news is because of the judicial and Prosecutorial misconduct. If the judge, prosecutors, police, and social workers had behaved ethically, there would be no news story here other than just another criminal trial to be decided by a well-informed jury.

I'm sure that all the players on the prosecution's side are extremely upset that their misdeeds have been placed front and center for the entire country to see. I'm real sorry about that... not.

Once this trial is over, judgement day (a.k.a., karma) will come for the guilty parties. For ever action, there is an equal, but opposite reaction. Better buckle up boys; it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

@8:45 I get your drift. It would seem that since the truly troubling testimony admitted under oath that the true abuse took place in Tennessee, TN would be the right venue for the crime.

I once saw a talk show, I think it was Maury Povich that interviewed a man and his daughter about incest. She was underage and they talked about details of the situation on the show. Some people in their town watching the episode recognized the family and reported the father to CPS. He went to jail.

I agree completely SOG. If due process had been allowed Ms. Craft, the evidence by itself would/would not have been used to convict or acquit Ms. Craft. Instead they have made a mockery of the system, and invited in the media and citizen criticism, absent a few nitwits.

I have never written on blog sorry for errors. Watching from Nashville asked how is Tonya doing? I received an Email that sounded a bit concerned but she expressed she is confident in her future with yeshua (Jesus). thanks us all for our support and asks us to pray for all the persons involved; families, children her parents and husband. a friend of Tonya

Anonymous 9:48,I received the same email from Tonya, but it said nothing about yeshua. Would those be YOUR words? You need to be careful and make sure your posts clearly show which words are Tonya's... and which are your own.

Anon 9:48:"Is it possible for the Jury to say that Tonya is guilty of maybe 5 of the counts instead of all 22..? Can they do that? And if so, how long would a sentence like that be?"

>>That's a possibility. If some jurors just do not want to take a chance of being wrong, turning a child molester loose, they may just convict her on 1 or more. Of course that does not give much consideration to Tonya for being innocent, but stuff happens.

"I don't understand the evidence behind ALL 22 counts. Is that a count for every single time it happened? How can they do this if the little girls have no clue when or how many times it took place"

Every time they claim it happened, some acts different than others (more less whether or not they hurt...). The little girls have some clues on time, but those times conflict with each other in the details of how it was to have happened, some conflict with other people testifying they weren't even at Tonya's when they claim it happened, there are claims of group sessions with multiple girls feeling up on each other and Tonya participating, but the other people say that never happened, and most times are unknown or not exact, so there's how the mess falls apart.

The main problem with the 22 counts in the indictments is: They are VAGUE. None of the dates make any sense, and further, they are basing 7 charges each for 3 girls, plus an odd extra one, I forget which one that it is. However, an indictment is supposed to be specific as to dates and times. Some of them are dated to the day Tonya's daughter was born. In other words, the State is claiming sometime between the day Tonya's daughter was born and the time the indictments were alleged, that she molested her own daughter. It's a bunch of poppycock. They didn't prove squat, and the indictments are worthless, as are the charges.

I posted the following entry on the last thread, but I don't know who will read it because the discussion has moved on. Bill, you're doing a great job in bringing attention to this frightening proceeding and many of you (if not most) have helped the rest of us understand what is going on. But a few have used the threads to air all kinds of accusations anonymously, a terribly unfair (and ironic) thing to do.

Here's the entry:

I know that not many of you will read this thread as another post has gone up, but I would like to point out that Mr. Beagles has posted openly (with his phone number!!!!) regarding his non-involvement in any of this and his "accusers" are all anonymous. If we want justice for Tonya that we shouldn't try to convict people with anonymous gossip and slander. This isn't a forum to air every grotesque bit of Chickamauga gossip, it's a forum to discuss a trial.

Mr Anderson, my 5:49 post is probably the most immediate outline for an effective public response to the situation at hand, no matter what the verdict.

All the other legal procedures will take months, years, lots of lawyers to resolve. The political process can bypass the good old boys coming to each other's rescue. A special recall election, well, that's power of the people.

The thing is, we need game changers to fill the power vacuum if it gets pulled off, and honestly I can probably count on two hands attorneys I know of that would fill the needs of the citizens that are currently practicing in the LMJD, and we need to avoid Governor appointed replacements. Most of them are women, there are a few good honest male attorneys in the LMJD, but not many.

*"There really was a reason that the Apostle Paul had to write to us Greek's and tell us to tell the women to stop drinking and stop gossiping," Dr. Lorandos said. He spoke about rumors and gossip and how they are a crime on all of society."*

YES! It's the gossip and lies that transformed this case from two girls playing doctor to a woman losing her house and fighting for her life. If you have an accusation regarding the Henkes, the Lambs, the Wilsons, the Longstreets, the Schigaboobicks, whatever, unless you can provide definite proof, don't say it here.

This, "well I heard that somebody told this about someone in the third person to someone who may have existed" nonsense has not place here. You can't work for truth by spreading gossip. That's like a member of the US Army in WWII raping and murdering a French peasant girl. We don't get to be the good guys by doing the same things as the baddies.

Someone mentioned a woman standing up in a church and accusing Craft of being a lesbian. Can I hear from two witnesses who WERE THERE who can definitely say that happened? It's like the prosecution claiming she lied about the breakup of her first marriage. OK, put the ex-husband on the stand as a rebuttal witness. If she lied, show me how. If Jaol Henke had an affair with one of the accuser's moms, put forth some evidence that happened. Rumor, inuendo, wink-wink-nudge-nude isn't what wins a debate.

I haven't seen anyone personally attack Mr. Beagles. The powers that be in Chickamauga have publicly sided with the prosecution. Should Mr. Beagles believe his business has been negatively impacted by public belief that he also supports the prosecution of Tonya Craft, I suggest he form an opinion to the contrary and voice it.

Very the soon, the public will be made clearly aware of how tangled a web the "Chickamauga Mafia" can and will weave.

Tonya Craft is a fight for her life and the lives of her children. Today's escapades by the prosecution and the judge must not only be remembered, it demands action. Not because of their pure audacious arrogance, but because of the soul of their very character.

What kind of men even says something like this: "How can you tell Tonya Craft is lying? When she moves her lips", in a courtroom!?. Ok maybe at the bar after a handful of drinks, or in a duck blind with his hunting buddies. But in a court room?

What kind of men can call women and men who have spent their entire lives devoted to research helping abused children, and at some of our most prestigious institutions, "whores" in a court of law?

My God!

What kind of men do these things and more, then pat themselves on the back as they have someone take take a picture of themselves with a girl, young enough to be their own daughter, and post that as a trophy on their Facebook page?

What kind of men indeed. These are not men, they are something, much less than that.

I watched Episode 9 of "The Pacific" on HBO last night with my wife and son. You see one of the soldiers loose, then regain his humanity, in the worst conditions imaginable.

Losing yourself in such a situation is understandable. Finding yourself again, remarkable.

The men, the prosecution, is not remarkable in any forum. They are bullies, who use their position as a shield. They have never fought in an honorable campaign that could threaten them... until now.

I wish I had HBO. My grandfather served as a fighter pilot in the Pacific and was shot down over China and spent several weeks getting to safety. Incredible stories he used to tell...

Someone commented above about businesses being negatively impacted in the community. Newschannel9 has a story up on their site right now about how the trial has been good for business. The language used almost seems as though they are taking pride in that, that somehow putting a person, her family, her friends, three little girls, their families, and the whole rest of a community through hell on earth is somehow a good thing as long as local coffee shops see an upswing in business?

I am with whoever wants to protest to get the Lamb kid and the Wilson kid out of the school. My kids too go to school there and I hate it! You can email me at kimmyd0419@yahoo.com. We can talk about what we can do!!!!!

I agree with Bill, no matter the verdict, everyone needs to take the high road in how we behave. I very much want to see this judicial system changed and the judge and DA and others disciplined for their actions, but it has to be done in the right way. Also, these children are victims as much as Tonya is, they have been led by adults. They do not understand what they have done. I also pray that they will get the help they need. I am sure emotions on both sides are running high, but I hope that everyone will think before they act or speak, especially since we have full national coverage in Ringgold awaiting the verdict.The DA's office made a big mistake in taking on this case. They thought Tonya would just cave in as many others have done, but she fought back. In doing so, they have opened themselves up to scrutiny that they have never before been subjected to. I think the days of the good ole boy system in this judicial district are almost over and it is about time. The sad thing is, they have over the years probably sent real criminals to prison, but their misconduct in this case and others will overshadow any good they have done.

About Me

I teach economics at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland. We are located on the Allegheny Plateau, and we have cool summers and tough winters.
I am the single father of five children, four of them adopted from overseas and I have two grandchildren. My family and I are members of Faith Presbyterian Church (PCA).